A Phenomenological Qualitative Exploration of Mind-Body Therapy Use and Effectiveness Among Young, Middle, and Older Adult Cancer Survivors. MBTs, such as Tai Chi and Qigong, had beneficial physical and mental health effects on survivors of all age groups. These benefits were particularly connected to the ongoing life stresses common to each age cohort, such as relief from work and family roles for young adults or support during retirement transition for older adults. Hence, access to MBT programs may be beneficial as part of the survivorship plan for patients and the recruitment strategies or content can be adapted by MBT providers to better target and support age-specific groups. PMID: 38767143.
Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update. The American Society of Clinical Oncology reports that Tai Chi and Qigong showed benefits during treatment and clinicians should recommend Tai Chi or Qigong to reduce the severity of fatigue during cancer treatment. PMID: 38754041.
Tai Chi, Qigong and the Treatment of Cancer. This paper reports on or summarizes dozens of studies where Tai Chi and/or Qigong have been used to reduce or alleviate the adverse side-effects that result from surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments for cancer. A Qigong or Tai Chi regimen can often reduce fatigue, insomnia, dyspnea, numbness, heartburn, dizziness, psychological distress, cognitive impairment, heart rate variability, recovery time, nausea, pain, discomfort, anxiety and depression, and can increase bone density, self-efficacy, muscular strength, immune function, longevity, ambulatory stability, joint flexibility, and the overall quality of life. McGee 2021. Read article.
Qigong and the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer: A Bibliography. This bibliography provides the citations to 30 years of medical studies that have been conducted on the use of qigong to treat and prevent cancer. McGee 2020. Read article.
A Review of Qigong Therapy for Cancer Treatment provides an overview of research results on Qigong for cancer. Studies on Qigong and its curative effect on cancer have demonstrated consistent results for its inhibitory effect on cancer growth and metastasis, in both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as in clinical observation. It is possible to reach a general conclusion that Qigong therapy for cancer treatment may be a powerful alternative to what we are using today in treating cancer.
The textbook Chinese Medical QigongChinese Medical Qigong (in English) has information on Qigong for cancer treatment.
New cancer study finds benefit in old therapy. Patients who practiced medical Qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional wellbeing, and enhanced cognitive functioning, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas.
Mind-body practices in cancer care. Being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer and undergoing treatment can cause unwanted distress and interferes with quality of life. Uncontrolled stress can have a negative effect on a number of biological systems and processes leading to negative health outcomes. While some distress is normal, it is not benign and must be addressed, as failure to do so may compromise health and QOL outcomes. We present the evidence for the role of stress in cancer biology and mechanisms demonstrating how distress is associated with worse clinical outcomes. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network states that all patients be screened with the single-item distress thermometer and to also indicate the source of distress and to get appropriate referral. In addition to the many conventional approaches for managing distress from the fields of psychology and psychiatry, many patients are seeking strategies to manage their distress that are outside conventional medicine such as mind-body techniques. Mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong have been found to lower distress and lead to improvements in different aspects of quality of life. It is essential that the standard of care in oncology include distress screening and the delivery of different techniques to help patients manage the psychosocial challenges of diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Tai Chi and Qigong at the Mayo Clinic Integrative Cancer Center
Meditation improved mood, breast- and endocrine-related quality of life, and well-being more effectively than standard care in women with breast cancer. A Korean study found meditation was useful for decreasing perceived stress, emotional focused coping, salivary cortisol level, and psychological stress response.
An eight-week meditation class had clinically meaningful, statistically significant effects on depression and anxiety after 12 months' follow-up [Würtzen]. Meditation was found to be a beneficial intervention for reducing stress, anxiety, cortisol levels, and symptoms in advanced-stage cancer patients and may also benefit caregivers [Lengacher].
CBT more effective than MBSR for treating cancer patients' insomnia. Although MBSR produced a clinically significant change in sleep and psychological outcomes, CBT-I was associated with rapid and durable improvement and remains the best choice for the nonpharmacologic treatment of insomnia.
Meeting the Information Needs of Lower Income Cancer Survivors. The American Cancer Society's 'I Can Cope' education program for cancer survivors found no more effectivve than wellness intervention which includes meditation, relaxation, and music therapy.
The people most familiar with the use of Qigong in medicine are Doctors of Oriental Medicine (OMD), Doctors of Medical Qigong (DMQ), Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM), or Medical Qigong Therapists.
Devatara Holman, MS, MA, LAc is a Qigong Master and acupuncturist and has experience working with cancer patients. In addition, she specializes in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Medical Qigong Therapy, Herbal Medicine, and Remote Healing. For more information see Marin Oriental Medicine and Emei Qigong Buddhist Medicine. Consultations are available individually at the Marin Oriental Medicine Clinic as well as long distance and via Skype.
Oncology Nursing
Traditional chinese medicine for cancer-related symptoms. "Informed oncology nurses can assist patients by making appropriate referrals to licensed acupuncturists and qualified TCM practitioners to help alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with cancer and conventional cancer treatment."
Energy therapies in oncology nursing. A review the published research related to the interventions of Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, and Healing Touch representing energy therapies in relation to oncology nursing.
Acupuncture benefits breast cancer survivors. Researchers at Penn Medicine and other institutions found that electro-acupuncture (“real” acupuncture) helped reduce joint pain by as much as 40 percent in women with breast cancer, whether the patient expected it to work or not. The study also found that “sham” acupuncture – which involves nonpenetrative needles and no electrical stimulation – provided pain reduction as high as 80 percent if patients had a high degree of expectation that it would work.
The study results provide important implications for future treatment of breast cancer patients with joint pain. Patients who reported pain relief had increased expectancy that it would continue to work over the course of their acupuncture treatment as compared with nonresponders, suggesting that positive responses during the process of real acupuncture increased the expectations of further positive outcomes.
“These findings certainly challenge the notion held by some that acupuncture is ‘all placebo,’” said the study’s lead author Joshua Bauml, MD, an assistant professor of Medicine in the Abramson Cancer Center. “If it were ‘all placebo,’ patients receiving real acupuncture who had low expectations that it would work would report little or no reductions in pain. But that’s not the case.” Sham acupuncture only produced clinically important pain reduction for those with high onset expectancy. But patients with the highest expectation that it would work reported as much as 80 percent reductions in pain – twice the rate of patients receiving real acupuncture. Sham acupuncture patients with low baseline expectancy scores did not report any significant pain reduction.
Harvard Medical School review presents the latest available evidence regarding the use of acupuncture for cancer pain. Cancer pain is one of most prevalent symptoms in patients with cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for adult cancer pain recommends acupuncture, as one of several integrative interventions, in conjunction with pharmacologic intervention as needed. It also provides "actionable" acupuncture protocols for specific cancer pain conditions and related symptoms in order to provide more clinically relevant solutions for clinicians and cancer patients with pain.
University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Integrative Medicine
This 7-day retreat supports cancer recovery by teaching two evidence-based anti-cancer Qigong systems, stress management, and nutrition therapy to promote self-healing for general health and well-being.
Music Therapy for Cancer
Music therapy in supportive cancer care. Music therapy is an effective form of supporting cancer care for patients during the treatment process. It may be also basic for planning effective programs of rehabilitation to promote wellness, improve physical and emotional well-being and the quality of life.
Music helpls cancer patients. Music interventions significantly ameliorate anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue in cancer patients, especially adults. Music interventions were more effective in adults than in children or adolescents and more effective when patients, rather than researchers, chose the music.
A Personal Story of Cancer Survival Through Qigong
Qigong revitalizes cancer survivor. Every day, Gina Thompson of Bolinas puts in two or three hours of Qigong, either on her hardwood floor or outside on her deck. This ancient practice is a big commitment, but that is what it takes to reverse the aging process.
Spirituality and Cancer
Do spiritual patients want spiritual interventions? A qualitative exploration of underserved cancer patients' perspectives on religion and spirituality. Spirituality plays a central role in the cancer experience of this underserved ethnically-diverse population. While spirituality seems to be a universal concern in advanced cancer patients, the meaning of spirituality differs across individuals, with some equating it with organized religion and others taking a more individualized approach. It is important that psychosocial interventions are developed to address this concern. Future research is needed to further explore the different ways that patients conceptualize spirituality and to develop spiritually-based treatments that are not "one size fits all."
Qigong Practices for the Treatment of Cancer
Oncology Qigong
Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. This is another article on the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society for Integrative Oncology updated guidelines which include strong recommendations for management of cancer fatigue during treatment using in-person or web-based integrative therapies including Qigong and Tai Chi. PMID: 38820485.
Integrative Medicine for Cancer-Related Pain: A Narrative Review. Cancer-related pain (C-RP) is a prevalent and debilitating concern among patients with cancer, with conventional treatments limited in their ability to provide adequate relief, and by the adverse effects associated with their use. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities have been shown to be potentially effective and safe for the treatment of pain and related symptoms, when used in conjunction with conventional medications and under medical supervision. The term “mind-body medicine” covers a wide range of CIM modalities that include breathing and relaxation exercises, tai chi and qigong, and more. A significant component of mind-body medicine's ability to reduce C-RP is likely related to its ability to reduce anxiety and emotional distress, which can exacerbate both acute and chronic pain.PMCID: PMC10855884.
Integrative Oncology Care of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Adults With Cancer: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline. The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, methodology, and patient advocacy representatives.Qigong and Tai Chi are among the recommended integrative approaches to managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer. PMID: 37582238.
An exercise prescription for patients with lung cancer improves the quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions: The 8-week exercise prescription containing moderate-intensity Baduanjin (5 days per week) can effectively alleviate QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with lung cancer. This exercise prescription is an effective supportive treatment for lung cancer patients with depression and anxiety. PMC9714027.
Qigong Exercise and Tai Chi in Cancer Care. Qigong exercise and Tai Chi have great potential in cancer care for improving physical ability, reducing cancer-related fatigue, and enhancing the quality of life and spiritual well-being.
Master Helen Liang and “Qigong for Cancer”. Clinically proven, Qigong can help cancer patients to deal with various side effects from cancer treatments. In China, studies even show how Qigong treats cancer. Master Helen Liang claims that she is not a medical doctor but she wants to share her knowledge with anyone who is combating cancer or trying to prevent being a cancer victim. There are three primary points of Helen’s Qigong Methodology: 1. Learning how to oxygenate the entire body at a cellular level; 2. Relieving Qi stagnation from the body at a cellular level; 3. Increasing blood and oxygen circulation without “burning” energy. Through a series of gentle exercises and simple stretches along with deep breathing, it can increase cancer recovery, boost the immune system, reduce pain, and improve sleep quality.
Growing Young: 6 Powerful Exercises for Initiating DNA Repair and Cellular Rejuvenation. "Researchers found that the DNA repair rate of people with cancer in remission compared to healthy people was much slower. The patients in remission were then taught qigong stress-reducing techniques. Following three months of practice, their cell repair rate had nearly doubled. It is conceivable that the “new” energy medicines of qigong and vibrational sound can affect the erratic energy of DNA and stimulate cellular rejuvenation."
In Qigong for Cancer Survivors Integrative Medicine specialist Dr. Yang Yang explains Qigong and then demonstrates exercises and meditation to help survivors and care-givers with fatigue, stress, sleep, strength and balance.
Qigong in Cancer Care: Theory, Evidence-Base, and Practice. Regular practice of Qigong exercise therapy has the potential to improve cancer-related QOL and is indirectly linked to cancer prevention and survival. Wide-spread access to quality Qigong in cancer care programming may be challenged by the availability of existing programming and work force capacity. The purpose of this discussion is to explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of Qigong for individuals with cancer. Questions addressed are: What is qigong? How does it work? What evidence exists supporting its practice in integrative oncology? What barriers to wide-spread programming access exist
Guo Lin Qigong for Cancer
Guo Lin was a Chinese artist and dancer who cured herself of cancer through the practice of Qigong over a ten year period. She modified an old family form of Qigong which she started teaching to cancer patients and people with chronic illness. Her qigong eventually spread throughout China and to some Western countries. In addition to providing a method to treat cancer, Guo Lin basically invented the idea and practice of social oncology.
ANTI-CANCER GUOLIN QIGONG SHANGHAI CANCER RECOVERY CLUB
The main component of Guo Lin Qigong is breathing a specific way while walking. It is called xi xi hu breathing (xi = inhale, hu = exhale).
Starting at about 12 seconds, people are in lines doing Guo Lin Qigong. Starting at 20 seconds you can hear the instructor saying xi ("she") xi ("she") hu ("who"). In English this is inhale, inhale, exhale. Two inhales as you swing your arms one way, exhale as you swing them to the other. There are variations on how the arms swing from side to side, but the breathing is always two inhales then one exhale. It's not really important how exactly you do the hand and arm movements (for example, how high your arms go, how far you swing your arms, your hand positions -- are they up or down, etc), but you do want them to be coordinated with the breathing. Breathing is coordinated with moving left or right. Breathing is the most important part of the practice.
There is more information on Guo Lin Qigong in the Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™, including:
Prevention and Recovery from Cancer Through the practice of Guo Lin’s “ new qigong therapy”: Cancer patient practitioners of Guo Lin New qigong therapy have experienced optimism, gradual to complete elimination of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, shrinkage to complete reduction of tumors and even other ailments or chronic disease in the body have been eliminated.
The practice of Guo Lin qigong can enhance the immune system-assisting in the prevention and recovery from cancer: With 26 years of medical experiences with Guo Lin Qigong, it has proven that Guo Lin Qigong is of great benefit for all cancer patients; irrespective of the stage of their uterus, digestive tract, intestines, esophagus, leukemia or the lymph gland. To date, we have treated tens of thousands of patients from approximately 25 countries throughout Asia, the America and Europe. Through laboratory experiments in China, it has been found that oxygen is the enemy of cancer cells, which cannot exist among oxygen. Guo Lin Qigong therapy increases the oxygen content in the blood. Many positive results can occur with three to six months of practice.
There is a strong social interaction component to the practice of Guo Lin Qigong for cancer. In the United States, this is now referred to as social oncology.
Breathe in two times, breathe out one time repeat...
Social Oncology: Qigong Classes and Group Interaction in the Treatment of Cancer
Integrative Medicine Classes Help Breast Cancer Survivors Recover. UCSF’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine combines conventional medicine with evidence-based practices from other healing traditions, including meditation, yoga, tai chi and qigong. This approach has become a popular way for cancer survivors and others who are recovering from debilitating illnesses to regain strength and balance after chemotherapy and surgery. Others benefit from stress-reduction programs
An Oncology Mind-Body Medicine Day Care Clinic: Concept and Case Presentation. Cancer diagnosis and treatment are often associated with physical and psychosocial impairments. Many cancer patients request complementary and alternative therapies such as mind-body medicine. A mind-body medicine day care clinic was found to alleviate psychological consequences of cancer and its treatment.
Tai Ji Quan for the aging cancer survivor: Mitigating the accelerated development of disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease from cancer treatment. Currently there are more than 13.7 million cancer survivors living in the U.S., and that figure is projected to increase by 31% in the next decade, adding another 4 million cancer survivors into the healthcare system. Cancer is largely a disease of aging, and the aging of the population will sharply raise the proportion of older cancer survivors, many of whom will be long-term survivors (5+ years post diagnosis). This review will address the potential utility of exercise to address three health problems that are of particular concern for the aging cancer survivor and the healthcare system, i.e., disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease, because the development of these age-related problems may be accelerated by cancer treatment. While there are many different modes of exercise that each produce specific adaptations, Tai Ji Quan may be a particularly suitable strategy to mitigate the development of age- and cancer-treatment-related problems. Based on studies in older adults without cancer, Tai Ji Quan produces musculoskeletal and cardiometabolic adaptations and is more easily performed by older adults due to its low energy cost and slower movement patterns. Since cancer survivors are mostly older, inactive, and often physically limited by the lingering side effects of treatment, they need to engage in safe, practical, and effective modes of exercise. The dearth of published controlled trials examining the efficacy of Tai Ji Quan to mitigate cancer-treatment-related musculoskeletal and cardiovascular side effects points to ample research opportunities to explore the application of this non-Western exercise modality to improve long-term outcomes for aging cancer survivors.
Human Body Microbes Make Antibiotics, Study Finds. Each of us has a microbiome which is a component of our 'healer within' and is a major beneficiary of Qigong practice. Our microbiome can be considered part of our internal "pharmacy" where we can get safe and natural personalized drugs. New research, funded in part by NCCAM, suggests that some of the bacteria that share our human bodies manufacture antibiotics and that these substances may be capable of fighting infection. The researchers, from the University of California, San Francisco; the University of California, Santa Cruz; Indiana University; Washington University School of Medicine; and Harvard Medical School, published their findings in a recent issue of the journal Cell: A systematic analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters in the human microbiome reveals a common family of antibiotics.
Research finds tai chi could improve quality of life for breast cancer patients
Much progress has been made on research and to improve treatments. Now, there’s more evidence that a traditional Chinese martial art holds promise in helping patients. More.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Combines Mind/Body Practice and Nutrition for Cancer Therapy. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the centuries-old practice of yoga is combined with nutrition education to help young cancer patients manage their disease today and lay the foundation for a healthy future. “We’re focusing on all of the benefits of yoga, which include balance, coordination, a decrease in pain and improving quality of life,” said Jessica Sparrow of St. Jude Rehabilitation Services and an occupational therapist trained in providing yoga for children.
Yoga Regulates Stress Hormones and Improves Quality of Life for Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy. Researchers found that while simple stretching exercises counteracted fatigue, patients who participated in yoga exercises that incorporated controlled breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques into their treatment plan experienced improved ability to engage in their daily activities, better general health and better regulation of cortisol (stress hormone). In other words, when they started doing Qigong in addition to yoga they got the additional benefits.
Psychiatric benefits of integrative therapies in patients with cancer. The active referral of patients to integrative therapies achieves three important objectives: complementary care is received from therapists experienced in working with cancer patients, visits become part of the medical record, allowing treatment teams to guide individuals in maximizing benefit, and patients are diverted from useless or harmful 'alternatives.' We review the reciprocal physical and psychiatric benefits of exercise, mind-body practices, massage, acupuncture, and music therapy for cancer survivors, and suggest how their use can augment mainstream psychiatric interventions.
Exernal Qigong - Therapeutic Touch and Reiki for Cancer
Biofield therapies and cancer-related symptoms: a review. This article provides a study review of the main BTs (i.e., therapeutic touch, healing touch, and Reiki) in the treatment of cancer-related symptoms. Although BTs are among the most ancient healing practices, data on their effectiveness are poor and additional multicenter research with larger samples are necessary. BTs may eventually become an autonomous field of nursing activity and allow professionals to build a relationship with the patient, thereby improving motivation. The idea that this method can be self-managed and may effectively reduce pain for patients with cancer can improve satisfaction challenges experienced by the current healthcare system.
Life after breast cancer
ASU nursing professor says mindfulness activities such as qigong and tai chi can help survivors with post-treatment symptoms. Mindful or meditative movement is particularly impactful for those with an active mind/being. Engagement of all the senses, the experience of movement in the context of being present in the moment, and the rhythm of the breath create an encompassing, powerful experience...See More.
Harvard cancer researchers endorse an ancient holistic practice of well-being in an award-winning short film, available for free online.
Research has shown that practice of Qigong, in addition to the related holistic practice of Tai Chi, can improve cancer-related quality of life. Various types of exercise are recommended for cancer recovery in general, and Qigong in specific is an ancient Eastern system of mindful exercise practiced for health, healing, longevity, and - in which a new independent film potently illustrates - cancer recovery.
This short film, Cultivating Life Energy: Qigong in Cancer Care, describes Qigong in general, and explains how this over 5,000-year old holistic system for well-being shows promising therapeutic benefit for patients affected by cancer. Featured in the film are leading experts from scientific and related fields, including researchers from Harvard Medical School; further included are the testimonials of US, Canadian and Australian cancer-patients who regularly practice Qigong. Collectively, these individuals in the half-hour film make a compelling case for the merits of Qigong as a viable component able to fluidly harmonize with a wide range of cancer-treatment regimens.
This short film has won two international film awards: a Telly and an Award of Merit from the Best Shorts Competition.
Qigong Could Decrease Fatigue In Prostate Cancer Survivors. The slow, meditative exercise of Qigong could help prostate cancer survivors beat a common side effect of the condition, according to a small new study in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Researchers from the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that 12 weeks of Qigong decreased fatigue and distress among prostate cancer survivors, compared with stretching classes. Also see Qigong can help fight fatigue in prostate cancer survivors.
Immune system modulation for cancer treatment. Holistically working with the micobiome and energy medicine is a large part of future of western medicine and will dominate in the latter 21st Century. Western medicine is just discovering the importance of the microbiome. Researchers are already finding connections between the immune response and disease. A major component of the body's immune response is generated by the microbiome. Autoimmune disorders (i.e. they can't figure it out so they use this term) are being traced to imbalances or dysfunction in the gut microbiome. He mentions the example of an incorrect mix (individualized for each person, just like holistic medicine) of microbiota species (e.g. bifidobacterium) leads to an incorrect or non-existent immune response (i.e. an "autoimmune disorder").
Note that the enteric nervous system which is the extension of the autonomic nervous system to and through the gut (i.e. it is the nervous system of the microbiota/gut) is connected to the central nervous system via the vagus nerve. Qigong directly affects the vagus nerve in a very positive way, and that's another reason why Qigong practice is so simple yet powerful.
Lifestyle and Exercise are Key to Cancer Prevention and Recovery
Lifestyle includes western-style exercise, mind-body practice, and nutrition.
Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes. This year, more than 1 million Americans and more than 10 million people worldwide are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, a disease commonly believed to be preventable. Only 5–10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects, whereas the remaining 90–95% have their roots in the environment and lifestyle. The lifestyle factors include cigarette smoking, diet (fried foods, red meat), alcohol, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Physical Activity Significantly Extends Lives of Cancer Survivors. Physical activity significantly extends the lives of male cancer survivors, a new study of 1,021 men has found. During the period while the men were followed, those who expended more than 12,600 kilojoules per week in physical activity were 48 percent less likely to die than those who burned fewer than 2,100 kilojoules per week.
Cell Membrane Oscillations under Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Modulation. The cell membrane can oscillate at the nanometer scale in phase with the external RF radiation from kHz to GHz. By analyzing the oscillation modes, we reveal the mechanism behind the membrane oscillation resonance, membrane blebbing, the resulting cell death, and the selectivity of plasma-based cancer treatment based on the difference in the membrane's natural frequencies among cell lines. Therefore, a selectivity of treatment can be achieved by aiming at the natural frequency of the target cell line to focus the membrane damage on the cancer cells and avoid normal tissues nearby. This gives a promising cancer therapy that is especially effective in the mixing lesion of the cancer cells and normal cells such as glioblastoma where surgical removal is not applicable.PMID: 36802616.
Bioelectronic medicines: Therapeutic potential and advancements in next-generation cancer therapy. Bioelectronic medicine has tremendous potential in biomedical sector including oncology research, research on biomechanical and chemical properties of cells and biomaterials, healing bone tissue using electromagnetic fields, and understanding bioelectrical properties of aging. Bioelectronic medicine uses electricity to alter the body's electrical communication systems in order to treat various illnesses. The bioelectric circuits produce an endogenous electric field and a resting voltage when the cells are functioning and communicating...It is possible to create new therapeutic options to slow the spread of cancer by taking advantage of the bioelectric properties of cancer cells. The treatment of cancer may benefit from bioelectronic medicine...It is crucial to identify or measure the electrical activity of body cells in order to control or modify bioelectricity and bring about changes in cell structure. PMID: 36208649. [This sounds like the science is finally catching up with Royal Rife -- see below].
An Overview of Sub-Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Action of TTFields.In this review, we provide an assessment of possible physical interactions between 100 kHz range alternating electric fields and biological cells in general and their nano-scale subcellular structures in particular. This is intended to mechanistically elucidate the observed strong disruptive effects in cancer cells.
Microsecond and nanosecond electric pulses in cancer treatments. The aim of this review is to summarize the present data on the electroporation-based techniques: electrochemotherapy (ECT), nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs), and irreversible electroporation (IRE). ECT is a safe, easy, and efficient technique for the treatment of solid tumors that uses cell-permeabilizing electrical pulses to enhance the activity of a non-permeant (bleomycin) or low permeant (cisplatin) anticancer drug with a very high intrinsic cytotoxicity. The most interesting feature of ECT is its unique ability to selectively kill tumor cells without harming normal surrounding tissue. ECT is already used widely in the clinics in Europe. nsPEFs could represent a drug free, purely electrical cancer therapy. They allow the inhibition of tumor growth, and interestingly, nsPEF can target intracellular organelles.
Review of electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection. This paper focuses on reviewing the main electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection. More specifically, this work reviews the cutting edge research in microwave imaging, electrical impedance tomography, diffuse optical tomography, microwave radiometry, biomagnetic detection, biopotential detection, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging for early breast cancer detection. Microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) is a noninvasive modality based on the differences in microwave absorption of various biological tissues. The experimental results indicate that TAT has a great potential to be used for detecting early-stage breast cancers with high contrast and high resolution.
Irreversible electroporation: the evolution of a laboratory technique to be used in interventional oncology. Electroporation involves applying electric field pulses to cells, leading to the alteration or destruction of cell membranes. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) creates permanent defects in cell membranes and induces cell death. By directly targeting IRE to tumors, percutaneous nonthermal ablation is possible. The history of IRE, evolution of concepts, theory, biological applications, and clinical data regarding its safety and efficacy are discussed.
Biophysical Insights into Cancer Transformation and Treatment. The authors present compelling evidence that biological cellular activity depends on the cell's generated electromagnetic field. The field's role in the directional transport of mass particles and electrons, organization of living matter, interactions between systems, and information transfer is extensively analyzed and described. This research represents a new contribution to understanding the biological activity of living cells and describes how cancer can be detected by decreased power in the electromagnetic fields generated by cells.
Non-Invasive In Vivo Characterization of Breast Tumors Using Photon Migration Spectroscopy. Frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) is a non-invasive optical technique that utilizes intensity-modulated, near-infrared (NIR) light to quantitatively measure optical properties in thick tissues. The metabolic demands of hormonal stimulation and cancer tumor growth are detectable using photon migration techniques. Preliminary studies show that unique breast tumor optical signatures are, in fact, detectable in human subjects. Measurements provide quantitative optical property values that reflect changes in tissue perfusion, oxygen consumption, and cell/matrix development.
The potential of terahertz imaging for cancer diagnosis: A review of investigations to date.The terahertz region lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum such that it is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content. Terahertz radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues. Because of these characteristic properties, there has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for biological applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported, including spectroscopic studies of cancer. The presence of cancer often causes increased blood supply to affected tissues and a local increase in tissue water content may be observed: this acts as a natural contrast mechanism for terahertz imaging of cancer. Furthermore the structural changes that occur in affected tissues have also been shown to contribute to terahertz image contrast. This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques. In particular investigations relating to the potential of terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis will be highlighted.
Low-pressure pulsed focused ultrasound with microbubbles promotes an anticancer immunological response. High-intensity focused-ultrasound (HIFU) has been successfully employed for thermal ablation of tumors in clinical settings. Continuous- or pulsed-mode HIFU may also induce a host antitumor immune response, mainly through expansion of antigen-presenting cells in response to increased cellular debris and through increased macrophage activation/infiltration. Here we demonstrated that another form of focused ultrasound delivery, using low-pressure, pulsed-mode exposure in the presence of microbubbles (MBs), may also trigger an antitumor immunological response and inhibit tumor growth.
Review of electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection. This paper focuses on reviewing the main electromagnetic techniques for breast cancer detection, including the cutting edge research in microwave imaging, electrical impedance tomography, diffuse optical tomography, microwave radiometry, biomagnetic detection, biopotential detection, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Bio-effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) in context of cancer therapy. The therapeutic advantages of EMF could be effectively harnessed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review examines recent findings relating to the mechanisms of action underlying the bio-effects induced by non-ionizing EMF. It's encouraging to see that the study of the use of electromagnetic fields in healing, especially for cancer, is coming out of the closet. Too many tens of billions of dollars have been misappropriated on the pursuit of ineffective genetic and pharmaceutical treatments for chronic conditions instead of more promising energy-based treatments.
Inhibitory Effects of Bio-Energy Therapies on Cancer Growth. An overview of recent laboratory studies in the U.S. and its implications in cancer treatment. Encouraging evidence suggests bioenergy may have inhibitory effects on cancer growth, or prolong the life of cancer-infected animals, although improvement is needed in research design and replication of the findings. Bioenergy for cancer treatment is an area that is often neglected by mainstream medicine and research, and it should be seriously examined and considered as an important supplement to conventional cancer treatment.
Beating breast cancer. Targeted radiation shortens treatment, reduces side effects. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in recent years have often been driven by improved radiologic tools. More precise diagnostic imaging methods such as digital mammography, MRI and 3-D ultrasound have allowed us to detect cancer cells at earlier and more curable stages. At the same time, the development of more targeted radiotherapies in cancer treatment has provided the capability to focus directly on tumors while protecting healthy parts of the body from harmful side effects.
Bioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer. Biologists at Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences have discovered a bioelectric signal that can identify cells that are likely to develop into tumors. The researchers also found that they could lower the incidence of cancerous cells by manipulating the electrical charge across cells' membranes.
Multimodal polarization system for imaging skin cancer. An optical system is created that is capable of detecting tumor formations in vivo in real time by means of the spectrally resolved polarization imaging of light elastically scattered by tissue and imaging of fluorescence polarization of exogenous fluorophores. E. Salomatina-Motts, V. A. Neel, A. N. Yaroslavskaya. Optics and Spectroscopy. December 2009. Issue 6, Volume 107. 884-890.
Cell Membrane Oscillations under Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Modulation. The cell membrane can oscillate at the nanometer scale in phase with the external RF radiation from kHz to GHz. By analyzing the oscillation modes, we reveal the mechanism behind the membrane oscillation resonance, membrane blebbing, the resulting cell death, and the selectivity of plasma-based cancer treatment based on the difference in the membrane's natural frequencies among cell lines. Therefore, a selectivity of treatment can be achieved by aiming at the natural frequency of the target cell line to focus the membrane damage on the cancer cells and avoid normal tissues nearby. This gives a promising cancer therapy that is especially effective in the mixing lesion of the cancer cells and normal cells such as glioblastoma where surgical removal is not applicable.PMID: 36802616.
Chinese Medical Qigong (in English) has information on Qigong for cancer treatment.
Devatara Holman, MS, MA, LAc 
The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine, Movement, Massage, Meditation, Breathing. More extensive information on the history of Guo Lin Qigong as well as the history of Qigong and its medical use in China can be found in 
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personalized drugs. New research, funded in part by NCCAM, suggests that some of the bacteria that share our human bodies manufacture antibiotics and that these substances may be capable of fighting infection. The researchers, from the University of California, San Francisco; the University of California, Santa Cruz; Indiana University; Washington University School of Medicine; and Harvard Medical School, published their findings in a recent issue of the journal Cell:
(Book)